The Knesset approved a contentious law that has drawn widespread condemnation for its unequal treatment of Jewish and Palestinian citizens regarding sexual crimes.
The “sexual terrorism” law was passed with 39 MPs in favor and seven against, and it directly affects Palestinian citizens of Israel who sexually assault or harass Jewish women, provided authorities deem the motive as “nationalistic.”
Under the new law, convicted Palestinians could face penalties doubled from the previous maximum of 16 years for such offenses.
The bill is particularly notable as it was co-sponsored by both the far-right Jewish Power party, a key part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, and a faction from the opposition, Yisrael Beiteinu.
The legislation has sparked controversy at a time when Israeli politics is grappling with contentious judicial reforms. While it gained bipartisan support, six Palestinian MPs and only one Jewish lawmaker voted against it, signaling concerns about potential discriminatory impacts.
Critics, including commentators, politicians, and women’s rights activists, have vehemently opposed the law, viewing it as a form of race-based legislation that disproportionately targets Palestinian citizens and exploits victims of sexual violence.
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